Linklater Reserve

Linklater Reserve is 5.5 hectares of open grasslands with some pleasant modest hills, a gully and wetland areas. It is set on the rural edge of town surrounded by farms on two sides, and the elevated slopes provide great views over the city to the ranges and the wind farms.

Linklater Reserve.

It is particularly popular with dog walkers and regularly hosts dog events and is a great location if you want to set up a slip and slide (contact the parks team at the Council about access to the water supply). Linklater Reserve is under the flight path to the Palmerston North Airport, so it is a great place to be a plane spotter.

Facilities

The adventurous swing bridge and the brand new flying fox are popular with children, a small gazebo style shelter is provided, and there are three picnic tables spaced around the 1km of walkways. Signs provide information on the plants in the gully as well as the types of panes that can be seen passing overhead. A bike pump track and jumps for those who like to do a bit of biking is positioned up over the brow of the hill and there is a drinking fountain that includes a dog bowl.

Plans for the future: Palmerston North's country park

Linklater Reserve is 25.5 hectares in size but only 5.5 hectares has been opened up to the public to date. The remaining 20 hectares are being developed over five years, from 2017 to 2021. Following community consultation in 2015 and 2016, Council approved a country park theme for the reserve. The theme reflects the park's location on the city's rural boundary and fits with community suggestions for the park. These ideas were weighted towards adventure play, walking, mountain biking and dog facilities. All developments on the Linklater Reserve will support and build on this theme where possible.

Council has allocated $1.25 million between 2016 and 2021 to the project, which has also received wonderful support from Fitzherbert Lions, Kelvin Grove Community Association, and volunteers and community groups for planting days.

Take a virtual tour of Linklater Reserve

UAV footage of the park filmed late 2017. Drag your finger or a mouse across the screen to explore the landscape from above.